Demand for 'vital' veteran support grows

Mollie Gray is a woman who has tackled an Australian rugby career while juggling a full-time job in the Australian Defence Force, but says her role as part of a charity helping military colleagues is truly humbling.

Corporal Gray is helping the RSL DefenceCare's Anzac Appeal which hopes to raise $1.5 million to support current and former defence personnel suffering from illness and injuries.

"Being able to be here, be an ambassador and lend my voice ... I am really humbled by it all," Cpl Gray told AAP on Tuesday.

Requests to the charity for support increased by 27 per cent year-on-year in NSW and RSL DefenceCare aims to raise money ahead of Anzac Day to help meet the demand, general manager Robyn Collins said.

"We're one of the organisations that provides that on-the-ground, grassroots, vital support that really changes lives ... the demand is clearly there, we just don't want to turn anyone away," Ms Collins said.

Cpl Gray understands the importance of this support, having to rely on similar networks when she returned from serving in Afghanistan in 2012.

Even as she eyes the Wallaroos' World Cup clash with Ireland in August, Cpl Gray said seeing the work the charity does was worth taking time out.

"To watch people go from being in a blackhole, watch people come out of it and being able to function ... is probably one of the best things to see."

It was a good thing people were turning to the service because it meant there was a heightened awareness of issues faced by returning defence personnel , DefenceCare claims and advocacy manager James Dallas said.

"People understand that it's okay to stick up your hand and ask for help, that you shouldn't be going through this alone," said Mr Dallas, who is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.

The funds raised will help veterans in need and increase advocacy around issues that impact those returning from military service.

Recent figures from the National Mental Health Commission showed suicide rates were 13 per cent higher among male Australian Defence Force veterans compared to rates among men in the general population.

It is an issue which highlights the need for a strong support network, Mr Dallas says.

"The message we want to give is one of hope and that help is available to those veterans who might be struggling," he said.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.